NEWS
NEWS
All the Latest News, Info, Products and Gossip From the UK Pool and Spa Industry and Beyond
Works Progressing On £17m Transformation Of Bromley Leisure Centre Significant progress continues on site at the multi-million pound transformation of Walnuts Leisure Centre in Orpington, including extensive works to the pool hall, window replacements and the completion of works to the roof. The centre is set to reopen in spring 2026 following the major £17m refurbishment, which is being funded and delivered by Bromley Council via Alliance Leisure using the UK Leisure Framework. Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, said: “This refreshed centre will be a huge boost to the borough’s leisure offering and will act as a hub for regional sporting activity while creating a welcoming space for families and visitors to enjoy, all while cutting our future maintenance liabilities on behalf of council taxpayers.” Ruth Ripsher, Delivery Manager at Alliance Leisure said: “Having supported Bromley Council throughout this project, it is incredibly exciting to see the work now coming off the ground. These new designs reflect a vision we have been working toward for some time, and as the development partner, we are proud to be turning those plans into a reality that will serve Orpington for generations.” Alongside the new competition-length pool at the Walnuts, reconfigured changing rooms with new showers and lockers will also be delivered, as well as an improved gym and a new exercise studio. Essential repairs and a completely new heating system will
also reduce running costs at the centre and help ensure the smooth running of the site.
Freedom Leisure Awarded ‘Pioneering Pool Operator Of The Year’ At Swim England Awards 2025 Freedom Leisure is proud to announce that it has been named ‘Pioneering Pool Operator of the Year’ at the prestigious Swim England Awards recognising its exceptional commitment to community wellbeing, watersafety innovation and widening access to aquatic activity. The award celebrates the organisation’s forward-thinking approach to delivering impactful community programmes with particular recognition given to the hugely successful Ashford Free Learn to Swim Project. The Ashford Free Learn to Swim Project has provided local school children from deprived areas in Ashford with fully funded swimming lessons, removing financial barriers
4 December 2025 SPN 4+7+9+10_SPN_December_2025_News_General.indd 4
and giving young people the essential life skill of swimming. The programme has become a model of community partnership, bringing together local authorities, schools and Freedom Leisure teams to ensure that every child is safe, confident and active in
the water. Winning the Pioneering Pool Operator of the Year Award reflects Freedom Leisure’s leadership in designing and delivering programmes that go beyond traditional swimming provision. Freedom Leisure remains committed to expanding access to swimming, championing water safety and supporting physical and mental wellbeing across the regions it serves with over 70,000 young people taking part in swimming lessons every week. The organisation will continue developing innovative programmes that ensure everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to enjoy the life-changing benefits of swimming.
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 15/12/2025 08:21